What You Need To Know About Rosacea

Rosacea Awareness LogoApril has been designated Rosacea Awareness Month by the National Rosacea Society (NRS) to educate the public on the impact of this chronic and widespread facial condition that affects more than 16 million Americans.

The goal of Rosacea Awareness Month is to bring knowledge to people who may be affected by this condition so that they can seek assistance and get accurately diagnosed, reduce its affects and control it before it progresses.

Rosacea is a chronic condition that most commonly affects woman in their mid to late 30’s however, men can also get rosacea.  Fair skin tones are also more likely to develop rosacea.  It is not thought to be genetic or inherited and there is no confirmed cause of rosacea.  

The redness usually starts in the center part of the face around the nose and cheeks and can also affect the area between the brows and the chin.  As the condition advances, the eyes can also become affected, known as ocular rosacea.  Small papules or acne like blemishes can develop and over time the skin of the nose can become thickened and bulbus. Most typically this is seen more in men affected with rosacea.

Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, recent ongoing research is suggesting potential inflammatory pathways have been identified including an immune response triggered by a type of antimicrobial protein. Another recent study found that certain bacteria present on the harmless demodex mite could prompt an inflammatory response in those affected by rosacea. A third research study identified a genome variant that may be linked to rosacea and is also associated with autoimmune disease.

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So how do you care for a rosacea skin condition?

At this time, Rosacea is not curable, however, we can control the symptoms.   Being aware of what triggers are can help you to control flare ups of your rosacea.  Foods high in inflammatory histamines, such as fermented dairy, cheese and yogurt, should be avoided.  Hot beverages, including caffeine.    Alcohol and spicy foods, and poor-quality food that causes an inflammatory response should all be avoided.   

Gentle skin care products that calm inflammation and strengthen the capillaries should be used daily along with broad spectrum sun protection. Skin care regimens and facial therapies can be beneficial in reducing and controlling the redness and calming flare ups.

To eliminate visible blood vessels or reduce extensive redness, IPL light therapy emits wavelengths of light that target tiny blood vessels below the skins surface.  Heat from the light energy builds in the vessels, causing them to dissolve and reabsorb. Typically, three treatments are required, depending on the severity of redness or visible blood vessels.  These treatments are spaced one month apart and there is no down time post treatment.  Maintenance of the therapy is normally required annually to keep the redness under control.  LED light therapy is also a very good option to help reduce the inflammation as well as aid in healing skin blemishes that are a potential symptom associated with Rosacea.

Schedule your skin care consultation today for assistance on skin care therapies and home care regimes that can help you maintain beautiful skin.

For more information, please visit the National Rosacea Awareness website at www.rosacea.org